Have you considered building a rain garden in your yard? Many of us in Portland, OR have seen the swales being built all around the city to manage storm water runoff and protect our rivers. Did you know that you, too, can do the same thing in your own yard? When we build swales in our yards, we call them rain gardens, and they are just as effective at capturing runoff from the roof and driveway. Above is an example of a faux riverrock stream that the rain water from the roof is redirected towards. What... more

It’s not difficult to become interested in gardening in the Pacific Northwest, where the seasons continually offer treats for the eye as well the gastronomy. Autumn is no exception, giving us not only the vibrant colors of deciduous trees and late blooming plants, but also the opportunity to prepare the garden for a quieter time. Instead of mourning the loss of summer bounty and sunny warm evenings, consider planting... more

Creating a garden can be daunting, even to someone who has the proverbial green thumb. Good design should fit your needs, be proportional to the house and its environment, facilitate flow and rhythm, unify all parts of the garden as a whole, and offer diversity and sustainability. If you are a new homeowner, have specific issues in your yard you just can’t seem to resolve, or just want to renovate a weedy backyard, you may be considering hiring a landscape designer. Before you do, there are some... more